Kota Kinabalu: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in research, product development, and training within the country’s cocoa industry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, in a statement today, UPSI mentioned that MCB chairman Datuk Matbali Musah and MCB director-general Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin witnessed the signing ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu last night. The event was part of the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025.

UPSI was represented by its Academic and International Affairs director, Associate Professor Dr Ridzwan Che Rus. He stated that the MoU, initiated by UPSI’s Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education (FTV), aims to enhance collaboration in research, product development, and training within Malaysia’s cocoa sector. ‘This partnership will benefit both parties by enhancing the quality of education and research, while supporting the sustainable development of Malaysia’s cocoa industry,’ he said.

Dr Ramle described the collaboration as a strategic move to reinforce the national cocoa industry ecosystem by engaging academic institutions in cocoa-related research and technological development. He expressed hope that the partnership would further cement Malaysia’s position as a leading global cocoa producer and improve skills and knowledge among the younger generation through continued education and research.

MICF 2025, held from May 24 to 27, features activities including exhibitions, chocolate-making competitions, and industry sharing sessions. The fair has attracted more than 1,000 participants from domestic and international sectors, serving as a key platform to elevate Malaysia’s cocoa industry on the global stage.